I'm a beginner to Spey fishing, I'm looking to buy a reasonably priced two handed rod and reel to fish the lower niagara with, aiming for mostly steelhead and lake trout. Also like to use the rod on smaller Great Lakes tributaries as well. If anyone has pointers on what to buy, or gear they're interested in selling I'd appreciate the help. Thank you!

First, welcome on board. Second, I have a Redington Prospector 12'6", 6 weight, 4 piece spey rod for sale in the classifieds for $180 shipped in the USA. This rod has been test cast but not fished so in excellent shape, comes with factory sleeve and tube. The Prospectors listed for $390. This is a nice rod for the money and a good place to start. You could then buy the Echo Ion 8/10 or 10/12 reel ($99) and have a nice set up. I would be glad to send you pictures of the rod, but you can find them on the web and also reviews of the Prospector series here under "tackle" or view a web search. The Private Message function is a good way to communicate with forum members.

Kind of tough to say as the Lower Niagara is very different from the other great lakes tribs. The rod that is ideal for one is probably not ideal for the other. I personally think the 6wt is light for the Niagara where you will be throwing Skagit heads and heavy tips but would probably be great for the other NY tribs (I assume this is where you are since you are asking about the Niagara). Also, when those fish get in the current they can be very difficult to stop.

I guess all things considered I would give the same recommendation as I give everyone looking for a versatile two hander for a reasonable price - Echo TR 1307.

I fish there quite a bit and my friends and I have used several rods over the past few years- for the money the Redington 11'9" 8WT switch lined with a Rio chucker or the 13'6" 8WT spey with a skagit head are clear cut winners - they work perfect up there depending on what you are trying to do -cost and effectiveness wise they are as good as we've found. sounds like the Dually switch might serve more purposes for you if you plan on hitting some of the smaller streams up there.

I have a used Redington Dually 11' 6" 7 weight switch rod that I have fished many of the Great Lakes tribs with. I have never ventured to the Niagara River, but I have found the rod more than adequate for Erie tribs (even the catt). I also have the 7 weight Rio switch chucker (good all-around skagit-ish complete line) and a 325 grain OPST commando head. I would be willing to sell the rod, the line, and the shooting head for $200. PM if your interested.

I have a Redington Prospector 13' 7wt. with sock, tube. Used maybe a dozen times at most. Casts 525 gr. skagits very nicely as well as the 525 gr. Switchchucker line. I had it listed in the classifieds for $200, dropped the price to $175.00 yesterday (shipped conus). Great rod, just have too many in that same range.

I have a used Redington Dually 11' 6" 7 weight switch rod that I have fished many of the Great Lakes tribs with. I have never ventured to the Niagara River, but I have found the rod more than adequate for Erie tribs (even the catt). I also have the 7 weight Rio switch chucker (good all-around skagit-ish complete line) and a 325 grain OPST commando head. I would be willing to sell the rod, the line, and the shooting head for $200. PM if your interested.

Is this rod still available? I know it was awhile ago but I'm interested if so.

6wt is way light for the Niagara. An 8wt would be better Heck a 9/10wt would be even better the current there is wicked strong and you will be throwing heavy heavy tips to get the fly down. Also fighting the fish in that current makes em feel 10 times bigger. So a heavier rod would be ideal.